Green Congress

The Government of the Republic of Korea, Jeju Province and IUCN are working together to make the Congress a sustainable event.

Our aim is to minimize and compensate for the direct and indirect environmental impacts relating to all aspects of the Congress and leave a positive legacy. We endeavour to minimize the consumption of natural resources and the production of waste related to all phases in the lead up to, during and after the Congress.

We will foster actions that avoid harm to biodiversity and human health, minimize our impact from CO2 emissions, and contribute to the sustainable development of the local economy.

Green you

IUCN wants to engage all Congress contributors and participants to adopt an environmentally-sensitive and coherent approach. All individual and collective actions taken toward a green development count. That is why for a sustainable Congress, and to help us minimize our ecological footprint, we encourage all partners and visitors to check out the "My guide to a sustainable Congress", prepared by the Host Country:

Reduce the weight of your luggage when travelling to Jeju by bringing only essential things

Reduce the chances of bringing or taking invasive species to or from the Congress that might bring problems to biodiversity or peoples' livelihoods

Use the shuttle buses, public transport, or cycling to commute between the Congress venue and your accommodation. We are pleased to inform you that a free bike rental will be at your disposal throughout the Congress;

Minimize energy and water consumption during your stay in Jeju – remember to switch off lights and tabs when these are not in use.

Minimize the use of paper and production of waste during the Congress. We also take this opportunity to highlight the importance of recycling. We strongly encourage you to, whenever possible, recycle your litter by placing them in the corresponding recycle bins.

Check the environmental behaviour of the hotel you are staying in and ensure you contribute to their environmental program or point out if you see things that can be improved

Offset greenhouse gas emissions resulting from travel to/from Jeju and participation in the Congress by contributing to the voluntary carbon offset scheme through the online registration process

Green host country

As the host of the Congress 2012, Korea and Jeju are responsible for selecting the suppliers and contractors for the facilities and equipment needed at the Congress. These range from environmental-friendly accommodation, eco-certified furniture to eco-friendly catering services. Check out the detailed guidelines in the "My guide to a sustainable Congress". The Host country has also decided to rely on their natural local resources by for instance using local ingredients in their catering services.

Jeju also selected and arranged a range of eco-tours for the Congress Excursion day to provide a great opportunity for registered participants to learn more about Jeju’s protected sites and for taking part in informal environmental learning programmes.

In addition, the Host Country is carrying out ambitious plans in greening the venue as much as possible by introducing and energy management system, LED light bulbs, and energy-efficient elevators and by improving the insulation system of the external glass wall and planting a green roof. The venue will also provide labeled recycling bins will be within reach of their participants.

Fuel-efficient shuttle buses will be provided for all participants.

Green IUCN

IUCN intends to minimize paper consumption before, during and after the Congress by providing all information electronically, and by establishing tools that enable online networking of participants. Consult the guidelines about minimizing paper consumption

Moreover, IUCN will offset all CO2 emissions related to travel to and participation in the Congress by staff and the shipping to Congress. Voluntary contributions for staff and all participants willing to offset their Congress-related emissions will go towards the Carbon Offset Fund. More information on how the CO2 emissions from travel to and participation in the Congress are calculated and how the fees are set is available under:

Funds received through the carbon offset scheme will go to a rainforest rehabilitation project, Infapro, by Face the Future, and is based on improved forest management in Borneo. Emissions reductions from the Infapro project have been verified by the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and sustainable forest management is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).